EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

EVOLIUM Radio Solutions

A910 Micro Base Station
Product Description

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Scope

This document gives a description of the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS product range for GSM 900,
GSM 1800 and multiband digital cellular mobile radio system implementation according to GSM
recommendations.
Its major purpose is
- to provide general information about the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS product range,
- to give technical data for the different Micro-BTS configurations.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Notice of proprietary information

This document contains proprietary technical information belonging to Alcatel. By accepting this
material, the recipient agrees that this material will neither be reproduced nor used in whole or part
except as otherwise agreed between Alcatel and the recipient.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Introduction

Providing high-traffic capacity for GSM networks by economical solutions has become more and
more important in the last years and will be a key issue for the near future. Alcatel recognizes the
importance of capacity solutions and provides a broad range of possibilities. From the beginning
Alcatel was a leader especially in the field of microcellular solutions, being first on the market with a
real Micro-BTS, which is successful in commercial operation.
To answer the ongoing market demand for higher capacities, higher compactness and better
performance, Alcatel offers a new Micro-BTS within the product range of EVOLIUM Radio
Solutions. The wide flexibility of the product allows numerous applications by providing not only
traditional micro-cells coverage, but also minicells, and in-building cells choices in GSM900,
GSM1800 or multiband networks.
A description of the principles and characteristics of this new Alcatel 910 Micro Base Station is
provided in the following.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

CONTENTS
1. GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2. OVERALL ARCHITECTURE ............................................................................................................ 8
2.1 The EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station concept.................................................................. 8
2.2 The A910 basic unit ................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 Antenna coupling level ..................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Transceiver (TRX) level ................................................................................................... 13
2.2.3 Base station Control Function (BCF) level....................................................................... 13
3. MECHANICAL AND INSTALLATION PRINCIPLES ....................................................................... 14
3.1 Mechanical concept ................................................................................................................. 14
3.1.1 Mounting frame and connection box................................................................................ 14
3.1.2 Protection cover ............................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Installation and commissioning ................................................................................................ 14
4. MAIN FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................... 16
4.1 Radio - Telecom - Transmission.............................................................................................. 16
4.2 Operation and maintenance..................................................................................................... 19
5. PRODUCT RANGE......................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Single-antenna ......................................................................................................................... 22
5.2 Low-loss configuration with antenna diversity.......................................................................... 23
5.3 Multiband configurations .......................................................................................................... 25
5.3.1 Multiband BTS without multiband cell configurations- Dual BCCH.................................. 26
5.3.2 Multiband BTS with multiband cell configurations- Single BCCH .................................... 26
5.4 Options..................................................................................................................................... 27
5.4.1 Protection cover ............................................................................................................... 27
5.4.2 Integrated fans ................................................................................................................. 28
5.4.3 Integrated antennas ......................................................................................................... 28
5.4.4 VSWR Meter.................................................................................................................... 28
5.4.5 Site Support Cabinet........................................................................................................ 29
5.5 Overview of EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station main characteristics................................ 31
6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND EMC CONDITIONS................................................................................ 32
6.1 Environmental conditions ......................................................................................................... 32
6.2 ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) ...................................................................................... 32
6.3 Acoustic noise and ultrasonic................................................................................................... 32
6.4 Operation of EVOLIUM A910 outdoor Micro Base Stations ................................................. 33
6.5 Transportation of EVOLIUM A910 outdoor Micro Base Stations ........................................ 34

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

6.6 Storage of EVOLIUM A910 outdoor Micro Base Stations .................................................... 35

7. GLOSSARY..................................................................................................................................... 36

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

1. GENERAL
The EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station has been designed with the main goal of facilitating site
acquisition and installation in a wide variety of environment, while offering cost-efficient operation and
flexibility for future evolutions.
The highlights of the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS are:
- Adaptability (to optimize operators investment)
- Minimum site constraints
- Wall/pole and indoor/outdoor installation
- Minimum volume and weight,
- Optional battery backup unit,
- High temperature environment support with optional fan,
- No acoustic noise emission thanks to convectional cooling concept.
- The right number of sites
- Different Tx power versions,
- Dual-band concept,
- Integrated or remote antennas.
- Quick and efficient roll-out
- Modular mounting concept,
- Cabinet with integrated connection box,
- Remote inventory,
- Minimum installation time,
- Autotest during commissioning.
- Flexibility (to minimize operators operational expenses)
- Painless maintenance
- One-module concept (Plug & Play),
- No preventive maintenance (standard configurations).
- Easy network upgrades/reconfigurations
- Online extension of modules (up to six TRXs),
- Two software versions in hot standby.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

- Reduced transmission and energy

- 75-ohms or 120-ohms transmission impedance,
- 1.8 km with direct cables on 40-dB Abis interface,
- Low power consumption.
- Higher network reliability
- High reliability (MTBF),
- Several frequency synchronizations (free running, PCM, hardware provision for
GPS).
- Future proof (to maximize and ensure operators revenue)
- Minimum capacity constraints
- In field extension up to six TRXs,
- Support of dual band.
- All existing services supported
- Support of full rate, half rate and enhanced full-rate codec,
- Support of all ciphering algorithms,
- All GSM Phase 2+ features
- Ready for broadband data applications (release dependant)
- Support of data services (GPRS,...).

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

2. OVERALL ARCHITECTURE
2.1 The EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station concept
The EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS consists of one, two or three A910 basic unit(s) having a capacity
of two TRXs each. This basic unit is a basis block enabling to build larger Micro-BTS configurations,
achieving capacities from two up to six TRXs in one up to six sectors.
Site reconfiguration is fully flexible. By only adding basic units, it is possible to adapt capacity to
network development requirements.

Basic unit
Master

Basic unit
Slave 1
2 TRXs

Power supply

2 TRXs

Inter-entity bus

Basic unit
Slave 2
Power supply

2 TRXs

Inter-entity bus

Power
External alarms
Abis interface

Figure 1: EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS architecture

One basic unit is chosen as master entity. The other basic units (maximum two) serve as slave
entities and are connected to the master via a master-slave connection which is composed of the
inter-entity bus and the power supply cables.
Slave or master basic units are identical from a hardware point of view; but, all base station control
functions are activated in the master unit only.
The A910 basic unit which is made of a minimum number of modules, is a complete BTS including
connection area, mounting frame, etc.. This concept, allows a simplified logistic as well as a flexible
installation and reconfiguration. It fits to most applications.
For special requirements, Alcatel offers optionally the Site Support Cabinet, containing the sitespecific equipment such as transmission equipment, batteries or other external equipment.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Transmission equipment

Power supply
Abis interface

Site Support
Cabinet
(optional)

Power supply Basic unit

External alarms Master
Abis interface

2 TRXs

External alarms

Figure 2: EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS with Site Support Cabinet

Please refer to Chapter 5.4 Options for details.

2.2 The A910 basic unit

The A910 basic unit has a 2-TRX capacity. It is based on a three-level modular architecture,
consisting of the
- Antenna coupling level,
- Transceiver (TRX) level,
- Base station Control Function (BCF) level,
for which a reduced set of very highly integrated modules was developed.
Two types of basic units are provided with a different antenna coupling level to connect either one or
two antennas. The information flow between the Air interface and the Abis interface for both types
are presented in Figure 3.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Air interface

Antenna coupling level

TRX level

BCF level

Air interface

Micro-BTS
antenna network
(low loss)

TRX1

Micro-BTS
antenna network
(single antenna)

TRX2

TRX1

MSUM

TRX2

MSUM

Abis interface
BCF
MSUM
TRX

Abis interface

Base station Control Function

Micro-BTS Station Unit Module
Transceiver

Figure 3: The two variants of the A910 basic unit

2.2.1 Antenna coupling level
The antenna coupling level is called antenna network which is the stage between the antennas and
the TRX level.
The general functions performed at this level are:
- Duplexing transmit and receive paths onto common antennas,
- Feeding the received signals from the antenna to the receiver front end, where the signals are
amplified and distributed to the different receivers (Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) and power
splitter functions);
- Providing filtering for the transmit and the receive paths,
- Hybrid combining, if necessary, output signals of two transmitters and connecting them to a
single antenna.
Two different antenna network architectures are offered:
- Single-antenna architecture based on hybrid combining,
- Low-loss architecture based on air combining.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

2.2.1.1 Single-antenna architecture

The single-antenna architecture allows to connect two TRXs to one single antenna. It combines two
transmitters to one output with the hybrid-combining method. It also distributes the received signal to
two receivers. Antenna diversity is not possible with this solution.
This architecture provides 33 dBm (2 W) Tx output power and -107 dBm Rx sensitivity at the
antenna connector.
Antenna (Tx1, Tx2, Rx1, Rx2)

Duplexer
Filter

Filter

LNA

WBC

Tx1 Rx1

TRX1

Splitter

Tx2

Rx2

TRX2

Figure 4: Single-antenna architecture

2.2.1.2 Low-loss architecture
This architecture connects two transmitters to two antennas and distributes the received signals to
two receivers. It uses a pure air-combining technique which provides an increased Tx output power
of 36.5 dBm (4.5 W) per TRX and a -107 dBm Rx sensitivity at the antenna connector.
This low-loss architecture allows to realize single sector with antenna diversity configurations; it is
also prepared to be switchable, in the future, in a two-sectors-without diversity mode through a
software command.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Antenna 1 (Tx1, Rx1, Rxdiv2)

Antenna 2 (Tx2, Rx2, Rxdiv1)

Duplexer

Duplexer

Filter

Filter

Filter

LNA

LNA

Splitter

Splitter

Filter

Mode 1
Tx1

Rx1 Rxdiv1

TRX1

Rxdiv2

Rx2

Tx2

TRX2

Figure 5: Low-loss architecture

Single sector with antenna diversity

SECTOR 1
Antenna 1 (Tx1, Rx1)

SECTOR 2
Antenna 2 (Tx2, Rx2)

Duplexer

Duplexer

Filter Filter

Filter Filter

LNA

LNA

Splitter

Splitter
Mode 2

Tx1

Rx1

Rx2

TRX1

Tx2

TRX2

Figure 6: Low-loss architecture

Two sectors without antenna diversity (future)

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

2.2.2 Transceiver (TRX) level

The transceiver (TRX) level covers GSM-900 and GSM-1800 functionalities, including full rate, half
rate, enhanced full rate, antenna diversity, radio frequency hopping (synthesized hopping) and
different ciphering algorithms.
Inside each TRX module an RF loop is implemented. The loop test is performed after downloading
the frequencies to the Micro-BTS as a supplement to the autotest.
The TRX module also handles the Radio Signalling Link (RSL) protocol.
2.2.3 Base station Control Function (BCF) level
This level is realized by the Micro-BTS Station Unit Module (MSUM). This module is physically
present in each basic unit, master or slave, of any basic unit configuration. But in the slave case main
functions are disabled. The station unit module of the master unit guarantees the control functions for
all the basic units of the Micro-BTS.
The main base station control functions are performed by the master unit as follows:
- Generating the clocks for all other basic units; the clocks can be either synchronized to an
external clock reference - e.g. Abis link or GPS receiver - or generated in a pure free-run
mode by an internal frequency generator.
- Ensuring central Micro-BTS Operation & Maintenance (O&M) application,
- Handling the Abis transmission links,
- Handling Operation and Maintenance Link (OML) and Q1 (transmission equipment supervision) protocols.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

3. MECHANICAL AND INSTALLATION PRINCIPLES

In addition to the high compactness (26 liters/2 TRXs for the basic unit) and the aesthetic side, the
A910 Micro-BTS has been designed in a flexible, modular and extensible way to facilitate the
installation and replacement process.

3.1 Mechanical concept

3.1.1 Mounting frame and connection box
A mechanical device (mounting frame) allows fast and easy installation or replacement. This
mounting frame includes a connection box at the bottom which contains all the external interface
cable terminations for power, transmission, alarms...
The mounting frame has to be fixed on the wall or pole. The basic unit can be simply plugged at the
frame.

3.1.2 Protection cover

In case of environmental or aesthetics constraints, a protection cover can be added as an option to
the Micro-BTS. Please refer to Chapter 5.4 Options for details.

3.2 Installation and commissioning

After the fixture of the mounting frame (including the connection box) on the wall or pole, a suitable
lift is used to install the basic unit at the frame. This operation can be done in two ways:
- Thanks to an electrical small crane, which is put on the top of the mounting frame and
connected to the connexion area of the Micro-BTS for power supply. The basic unit is then
lifted at the mounting frame level as represented in figure 7. One person is enough for the
operation.
- Manually lifted thanks to an handwheel which is screwed at the top of the basic unit and a
handle fixed at the bottom. Two persons are needed for the operation.
In case the protection cover option is chosen, the back part of the cover is fixed with the mounting
frame .
Both indoor and outdoor (with protection cover) environments are possible.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Connexionbox
+
Mounting frame
+
Back part of cover

Basic unit
+
Connexion box
+
Mounting frame

Figure 7: EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station - mechanical units and installation
Basic units can be used either as master or slave. The identification is defined automatically by the
cabling on dedicated connectors.
Flexible positioning of units is possible. The mechanics allows either collocated installation of master
units, slave units, and site support cabinets or delocated installation (up to five meters between the
units). The adding/removing of units (but the master) can be done online during operation.
In case of hardware failure the unit is replaced completely. No on-site intervention for repair is
foreseen.
Manual calibration during commissioning has not to be carried through. Thanks to the modular
mounting concept, the connection box integrated in the cabinet, as well as autotest during the
commissioning phase, the installation or replacement process is easy and fast.
By means of a convectional cooling the temperature range supported by the Micro-BTS is -33 C up
to +45 C. Thanks to the optional fan mounted on top of the cover, hot-temperature conditions up to
+55 C can be reached.
As well integrated as remote antennas are possible.
Optionally, the Site Support Cabinet can be added to the Micro-BTS site. This cabinet accommodate
battery backup units, Micro-wave equipment, HDSL modems, power meter, Abis network termination
lines, etc.. It is dedicated to one A910 Micro-BTS (six TRXs maximum capacity). For details, please
refer to Chapter 5.4 Options.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

4. MAIN FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS

The architecture of the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS is derived from the conventional BTS family
A9100. That means basic principles and features already known from this BTS generation are also
applicable for A910.

4.1 Radio - Telecom - Transmission

Frequency bands
The hardware supports the P-GSM-900 band and the GSM-1800 band:
P-GSM 900

890 MHz to 915 MHz

935 MHz to 960 MHz

GSM 1800

1710 MHz to 1785 MHz

1805 MHz to 1880 MHz

Speech codecs

Full rate, half rate, enhanced full rate and Adaptive multirate (AMR) are supported. The same
TRX hardware is prepared to support all other codec functions. The half-rate, enhanced fullrate and Adaptive multirate functioning requires that the BSS software release and the other
network elements also support these codecs.
Ciphering algorithms
The BTS product range supports A5/1 and A5/2 ciphering algorithms; A5/0 = no ciphering is
always supported. Provisions are taken for A5/3 to A5/7 when defined.
RF performances
TX output power

- 2 W or 33 dBm with one antenna

(at BTS antenna connector)

- 4.5 W or 36.5 dBm with two antennas

The sensitivity of A910 BTSs (at the BTS antenna connector) is -107 dBm.
Multiband capabilities
Multiband configurations are possible by using basic units of different bands in an A910 MicroBTS. Each basic unit is a monoband one.
The GSM-900 and the GSM-1800 basic units can belong to different sectors (multiband BTS
without multiband cell configurations) or to the same sector (multiband BTS with multiband cell
configurations).

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Antenna diversity
Depending on the antenna network chosen, the A910 product range includes configurations
with antenna diversity or without antenna diversity.
Synthesizer frequency hopping
Synthesizer frequency hopping (or so-called radio frequency hopping) is supported by the
whole BTS product range; its use is optional. Two frequency hopping modes are available:
- Standard RF-hopping mode:
A cell with N TRXs can have N-1 TRXs hopping (except the TRX carrying the BCCH),
on M frequencies (M usually > N).
- Pseudo-baseband RF-hopping mode:
A cell with N TRXs can have all its N TRXs hopping on N frequencies.
Power control
According to GSM: Dynamic 30 dB - step size 2 dB.
Synchronization
The clocks can be
- generated in a pure free-run mode by an internal frequency generator,
- synchronized to an external clock reference:
- Abis link (PCM-synchronized),
- The hardware is prepared for connecting a GPS receiver for synchronization.
Transmission
Star, chain and loop configurations are possible with the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS.
In case of BTS failure or power shutdown, the Abis link is not interrupted for the following
BTSs.
As for the EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station, the number of time slots on the Abis link is
optimised thanks to Abis static signalling multiplexing, where the Radio Signalling Links
(RSLs) of four TRXs are submultiplexed on one 64-kbits/s PCM channel.
Statistical signalling submultiplexing on a 64-kbits/s channel is also available (release dependent). It enables the use of one to four RSLs and the OML on the same 64-kbits/s time slot.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Two G.703 interfaces with an increased sensitivity (40 dB) are provided for leased lines or
direct cables. In a chain or loop configuration, it allows a distance of 1.8 km between two
Micro-BTSs.
Future evolutions
In a further step:
- The present TRX hardware is prepared for broadband data services as GPRS (releasedependent).
- A new hardware will be proposed so as to support th E-GSM band.
- Two modes for low-loss basic unit:
- One sector with 2-TRX capacity, with antenna diversity
- Two sectors with one TRX in each sector, without antenna diversity
with the possibility of switching from the first mode to the other one by a software
command.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

4.2 Operation and maintenance

Station unit sharing
The station-unit-sharing feature is supported by the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS: Whatever
the number of basic units is, the configuration is seen as a single Micro-BTS with one
dedicated Operation and Maintenance Link (OML).
Autotesting
Upon activation of the BTS, functioning status is given (all modules active, antenna equipped)
via a LED included in the connection box.
Recovery
In case of interruptions on Abis or power supply or in case of exceeding the temperature
range, the BTS recovers automatically when the failure has disappeared.
The service interruption is minimized at initiation or restart: The EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS
performs a fast restart after a breakdown (BTS software files are stored in a non-volatile
memory). Only the minimum necessary files are required from the BSC.
In case of a failure in the BCCH TRX, another TRX is automatically reconfigured as BCCH
TRX.
Battery backup
In the site support cabinet, a battery backup unit can be included, with a minimum autonomy
time of 30 minutes. This backup time can be increased for lighter configurations:

Alcatel

Configuration

Backup time without automatic shutdown

2 TRX without options

270 minutes

4 TRX without options

135 minutes

6 TRX without options

90 minutes

2 TRX with 1/2 Microwave unit(s)

220/180 minutes

4 TRX with 1/2 Microwave unit(s)

110/90 minutes

6 TRX with 1/2 Microwave unit(s)

75/60 minutes

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

External alarms
Each basic unit provides eight external alarm inputs. The connectors are located on the
connection box.
It is possible to use external alarms of the extension cabinets (slave units). Then the number
of external alarm inputs regarding the whole Micro-BTS can grow up to 16 or 24 - depending
on the configuration.
Reliability and availability
Each basic unit is considered as one module. In case of failure, the complete entity is
replaced, and no on-site repair activity is foreseen.
All components have been chosen with latest technologies and high MTBF values in order to
avoid a costly and not compact redundant solution.
The service availability of a cell equipped with two TRX or more, defined as the mean time
between two full service interruptions due to hardware failure, is 13 years (functional MTBF).
Power supply
The EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station supports:
- AC: 230 V (range from 170 V to 270 V).
The basic units are protected against short power failure of less than 200 ms.
The slave units can be remotely feeded from the master unit.

Autodetection and configuration

This feature is very important for the connection of several basic units. Any basic unit can be
used either as master or slave entity. The status of a basic unit is automatically defined by its
cabling.
The master is the only one which is connected to the Abis interface and downloads the
necessary software to all the TRXs of the whole Micro-BTS.
From the OMC-R, a Micro-BTS connected in master-slave mode (more than 2-TRX
configuration) appears as one BTS with four or six TRXs, which can be assigned to different
sectors or to the same one.
Commissioning tests
A set of dedicated autotests are available in order to reduce the commissioning time of less
than 20 minutes (commissioning tests and configuration parameters acquisition).

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Firmware downloading
All firmware are locally downloadable from the maintenance terminal and/or from the OMC-R.
Software up-grade
Two-software-versions storage: The EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station is able to store two
software versions with the possibility of activating one or the other on request from the BSC.
Software downloading will be performed with minimum service interruption (releasedependent).

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

5. PRODUCT RANGE
This chapter describes all possible configurations and options of the EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS.
The complete panel of possible configurations is derived from four basic 2-TRX configurations by
co-sitting up to three such basic configurations (6 TRXs), and if needed adding options.
These basic configurations are listed in the following table:
Description

Antenna network architecture

No. of antennas

GSM 900 (P-GSM band) 2 TRXs

Single-antenna

GSM 900 (P-GSM band) 2 TRXs

Low-loss

GSM 1800 2 TRXs

Single-antenna

GSM 1800 2 TRXs

Low-loss

Hence, the possible configurations are:

- Single-antenna,
- Low-loss with antenna diversity,
- Multiband.

5.1 Single-antenna
This configuration is realized with the single-antenna architecture (see chapter 2.2.1.1). The antenna
network associated is called single-antenna network.
The characteristics are:
- One single antenna is connected to two TRXs;
- The output power is 33 dBm (2 W);
- The Rx sensitivity is -107 dBm;
- Antenna diversity is not supported;
- Up to three entities can be grouped in omni or sectored versions.
This medium-power version of A910 is the optimum product to serve classical microcells. These
microcells will usually be implemented as clusters in a hierarchical network to provide highest
capacity in dense urban areas. At the same time, coverage will be improved significantly for both
outdoor as well as deep indoor from outside applications. Moreover, due to the compact and
aesthetic design, the A910 Micro-BTS is also suited for in-building installations and coverage.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

Single-antenna
network

Single-antenna
network

Single-antenna
network

TRX3

TRX1

TRX5

TRX4

TRX2

Slave1

TRX6

Slave2

Master
Figure 8: Single-antenna configuration
The basic unit(s) can belong to different sectors or to the same one. Hence, the following possibilities are offered:
A910 single-antenna
configurations

1 sector

1 sector

1 sector

2 sectors

3 sectors

No. of TRXs

2 TRXs/sector

2 TRXs/sector

No. of basic units

No. of antennas

1/sector

1/sector

Tx output power (W)

5.2 Low-loss configuration with antenna diversity

This configuration is realized with the low-loss antenna network, an antenna module associated to
the low-loss architecture (see chapter 2.2.1.2). The module is configured with the antenna diversity
option. The characteritics are :
- Two antennas are connected to two TRXs which belong to the same sector;
- The output power is 36.5 dBm (4.5 W);
- The Rx sensitivity is -107 dBm;
- Antenna diversity;
- Up to three entities can be grouped in omni or sectored versions.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

In case of medium to high-traffic densities, this high-power version of A910 is an economical solution
since it allows an increased cell range. Such cells are known as minicells to be installed in
hierarchical or single-layer networks. This product version can also be installed to provide an
excellent coverage for shadowed area, tunnels, etc..

Low-loss
antenna
network
(diversity)

TRX3

Low-loss
antenna
network
(diversity)

TRX4

TRX1

Low-loss
antenna
network
(diversity)

TRX2

TRX5

Slave1

TRX6

Slave2

Master
Figure 9: Low-loss configuration with antenna diversity
The basic unit(s) can belong to different sectors or to the same one. That implies the following possibilities:
A910 low-loss
configurations with

1 sector

1 sector

1 sector

2 sectors

3 sectors

No. of TRXs

2 TRXs/sector

2 TRXs/sector

No. of basic units

No. of antenna

2/sector

2/sector

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

antenna diversity

connections*
Tx output power (W)

* the exact number of antenna depends on the use of panel/cross-polarized/integrated antennas.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

5.3 Multiband configurations

The EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Stations have been designed in such a manner that they allow
multiband operation. A given Micro-BTS can be composed of GSM-900 and GSM-1800 basic units.
Both bands are assigned either in different sectors (one BCCH for each band -dual BCCH) or in the
same sector (one BCCH for both bands -single BCCH).
All configurations installed in a single-band infrastructure can be up-graded for multiband operation
by adding a basic unit at the other band.
Both antenna network types are possible. A mix of low-loss and single-antenna networks in the same
configuration can also be used.
Mix of low-loss and single-antenna networks (example)
In this configuration the GSM-1800 basic unit has a low-loss antenna network whereby the GSM-900
basic unit works with a single-antenna network. This solution allows to partly compensate the
propagation drawback in GSM 1800 so as to have not too different coverage area in both bands.

Low-loss
antenna
network
(diversity)

TRX3

TRX4

Single-antenna
network

TRX1

Band 2

TRX2

Band 1

Slave1

Master
Figure 11: Mix of low-loss and single-antenna networks (example)

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

5.3.1 Multiband BTS without multiband cell configurations- Dual BCCH

The possible multiband BTS without multiband cell configurations are described in the following
table. Sectors may be either GSM 900 or GSM 1800 independently.
A910 multiband BTS

2 sectors

2 sectors

configurations

1*2TRXband1/1*2TRXband2

1*4TRXband1/1*2TRXband2

No. of TRXs

Sector1: 2TRX in band1

Sector1: 4TRX in band1

Sector2: 2TRX in band2

Sector2: 2TRX in band2

Sector1: 1 basic unit in band1

Sector1: 2 basic units in band1

either low-loss or single antenna

either low-loss or single antenna

Sector2: 1 basic unit in band2

Sector2: 1 basic unit in band2

either low-loss or single antenna

either low-loss or single antenna

No. of antennas

Deduced from basic unit choice

Deduced from basic unit choice

Tx output power (W)

Deduced from basic unit choice

Deduced from basic unit choice

No. of basic units

5.3.2 Multiband BTS with multiband cell configurations- Single BCCH

The possible multiband BTS with multiband cell configurations will be defined in a further step.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

5.4 Options
5.4.1 Protection cover
For each basic unit, Alcatel provides as an option, an appropriate protection cover. It will protect the
BTS equipment against environmental impact (dirt, wind, sun radiation, etc.) and unauthorized
access.
Moreover, thanks to its lightness, the cover is greatly adaptable to the environment.
The use of the cover is recommended for Outdoor environments, or in case of aesthetics constraints
in Indoor environments (public rooms).
The cover is made up of four parts:
- the back part, fixed with the mounting frame during the installation process,
- the front part,
- the top part,
- the bottom part, which gives the access to the connection box.
It is available in two variants:
- the standard cover,
- the integrated-antenna cover where the front part is modified.
The second variant is mandatory in case of choosing integrated antenna option.
If the fan option is chosen, the top part of the cover is replaced by another one where fans are
already integrated.

Figure 12: Protection cover

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

5.4.2 Integrated fans

The standard product is designed to support temperature up to +45C. Fans are added for operating
temperature up to +55C.
This option is a special top cover including:
- A fan casette (with two fans),
- A fan control board,
- AC and alarms cables.
The speed of the fans is controlled depending on the temperature. In case of failure, an external
alarm is sent to the OMC-R.
The replacement from the standard top cover to the special one (including the fans) is done on field
during the installation process. The protection cover is mandatory when using the fans.
5.4.3 Integrated antennas
For optimum RF performances, and so as to reduce the cost and installation effort, it is possible to
have antennas integrated in the Micro-BTS. Therefore, no feeders nor external antennas need to be
installed.
This integrated antenna is a cross-polarized +/-45 and is available in GSM900 and GSM1800, with
the following characteristics:
- Isolation between antennas > 25 dB
- Gain > 6.3 dBi
- Horizontal HPBW > 80
- Vertical HPBW > 50
Integrated antennas use the same connector as external antennas. It is mounted on the front face of
the basic unit. A special cover is required for this option (please refer to 5.4.1).
5.4.4 VSWR Meter
The return loss of the transmitted signal can be measured at the antenna connector thanks to the
VSWR meter option, using the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio techniques.
It is a separated device (H*W*D: 128*80*40 mm) which is introduced between the antenna connector
and the antenna feeder therefore located inside the protection cover.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

The VSWR meter gets 5 V DC power supply from the connexion box and provides one alarm output,
also connected to the connexion box.
This option is available in GSM900 and in GSM1800. Is is not possible to use it together with the
integrated antenna option.
5.4.5 Site Support Cabinet
The Site Support Cabinet (SSC) is an optional unit which can be added on the Micro-BTS site,
independently of the TRX capacity (up to 6 TRXs). It consists of a separate outdoor cabinet which
provides accomodation for battery backup and for external equipment.
The characteristics of the site support cabinet are:
- Battery backup (the system is sized so as to provide a battery backup time of 270 minutes for
2TRX and no option up to 60 minutes for 6 TRX and two Micro-wave units.)
- Ground, wall or mast mounting,
- Size: H*W*D: 90*65*45 cm,
- Environmental:
- temperature range from -33 to + 45C (extended to +55C if reduced power dissipation
of the options-10W) thanks to an advanced cooling system.
- lightning protection
A free space and 200W (-48V DC) power is available in the cabinet for options such as:
- Two microwave baseband units or
- Two network terminations for multidrop or
- Two HDSL modems.
This cabinet is supervised via the external alarms of the Micro-BTS.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

45 cm

Internal fan
and heater

Space for Micro-wave or NTL or HDSL

Space for Micro-wave or NTL or HDSL

90 cm

Power
supply

Power
supply

Power Battery monitoring

supply and connection
field

Space for battery

BBU

Installation area

65 cm

Figure 13: Site Support Cabinet

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

5.5 Overview of EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station main characteristics

The table below gives an overview of the main characteristics of the EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base
Station.

EVOLIUM A910
Micro Base Station
Basic unit type
Power supply voltage
Output power

w/o cover option

Low-loss

with cover option

Single-antenna

230 V AC (range from 170 V to 270 V)

4.5 W

2W

Low-loss

Single-antenna

230 V AC (range from 170 V to 270 V)

4.5 W

2W

Typical power consumption

without heating elements

130 W per 2 TRXs

130 W per 2 TRXs

Typical power consumption

with fan

145 W per 2 TRXs

145 W per 2 TRXs

Typical power consumption

including heating elements

210 W per 2 TRXs (at 0C)

210 W per 2 TRXs (at 0C)

Receiver sensitivity

-107 dBm

-107 dBm

Temperature range

-33 C to + 45 C

-33 C to + 45 C (+55 C with fan option)

Height

750 mm

818 mm / 940 mm with fan

Width

384 mm (max)

450 mm (max)

Depth

137 mm (max)

Weight

27 kg

Volume

190 mm (max)
26 kg

32.5 kg

No

Yes

34 l *)

Optional fan

No

31.5 kg
54 l *)
Yes

Main characteristics of the EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station

*) The cabinet volume includes Tx power up to 4.5 W, mounting mechanics, connection box including Abis relays, lightning
protection, external alarms, as well as provisions for extension, provisions for optional fan and site support cabinet.

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND EMC CONDITIONS

6.1 Environmental conditions
The environmental conditions define the limits (temperature, humidity, etc.) for BTS cabinets in
operation, transportation, and storage conditions as specified in the following classes:
EVOLIUM A910
Micro Base Station

Outdoor

Operation

ETS 300 019-1-4 class 4.1

Transportation

ETS 300 019-1-2 class 2.3

Storage

ETS 300 019-1-1 class 1.3

6.2 ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

All EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Stations fulfil the requirements of the follwoing standards:
- EN300 609; EN 55 022; EN300 132; GSM11.21.

6.3 Acoustic noise and ultrasonic

The emitted sound power level does not exceed 30 dBA without fan and 54 dBA with fan in one meter
distance (sound power measured according to ISO 3743).

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

6.4 Operation of EVOLIUM A910 outdoor Micro Base Stations

Climatic conditions for environmental class 4.1 (stationary use at non-weatherprotected locations):
Environmental parameter

Unit

Class 4.1

Low air temperature

-33

High air temperature

+40 (Note 1)

Low relative humidity

15

High relative humidity

100

Low absolute humidity

g/m

0.26

High absolute humidity

g/m

25

Rain intensity

mm/min

Rate of change of temperature

C/min

0.5

Low air pressure

kPa

70

High air pressure

kPa

Sun radiation
Heat radiation

106

W/m

1120 (Note2)

W/m

Negligible

Movement of the surrounding air

m/s

50

Conditions of condensation

None

Yes

Conditions of precipitation (rain snow, hail)

None

Yes

Conditions of water from sources other than rain

None

Splashing water

Conditions of icing and frosting

None

Yes

Low rain temperature

Salt fog cycle

3 x 24 h
(IEC68-2-52: Salt-fog environment)

Note 1: The high temperature supported by the EVOLIUM A910 Micro Base Station is extended to +45 C
(+55 C with optional fans)
Note 2: The sun radiation condition is fulfilled only with the optional cover

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

6.5 Transportation of EVOLIUM A910 outdoor Micro Base Stations

Climatic conditions for environmental class 2.3 (transportation):
Environmental parameter

Unit

Class 2.3

Low air temperature

-40

High temperature, air in unventilated enclosures

+70

High temperature, air in ventilated enclosures or

outdoor air

+40

Change of temperature air/air

-40/+30

Change of temperature air/water

+40/+5

Relative humidity, not combined with rapid

temperature changes

95

+45

95

-40/+30

g/m 3

60

+70/+15

kPa

70

kPa/min

no

m/s

20

Precipitation, rain

mm/min

Radiation, solar

W/ m 2

1120

Radiation, heat

W/ m 2

600

m/s

None

Conditions of wet
surface

Relative humidity, combined with rapid temperature

changes air/air at high relative humidity
Absolute humidity, combined with rapid
temperature changes air/air at high water content
Low air pressure
Change of air pressure
Movement of the surrounding medium, air

Water from sources other than rain

Wetness

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

6.6 Storage of EVOLIUM A910 outdoor Micro Base Stations

Climatic conditions for environmental class 1.3 (non-weatherprotected storage locations):
Environmental parameter

Unit

Class 1.3

Low air temperature

-33

High air temperature

+40

Low relative humidity

15

High relative humidity

100

Low absolute humidity

g/m

0.26

High absolute humidity

g/m

25

Rain intensity

mm/min

Rate of change of temperature

C/min

0.5

Low air pressure

kPa

70

High air pressure

kPa

Sun radiation
Heat radiation
Movement of the surrounding air

W/m

1120

W/m

Negligible

m/s

50

Conditions of condensation

None

Yes

Conditions of precipitation (rain snow, hail)

None

Yes

Conditions of water from sources other than rain

None

Splashing water

Conditions of icing and frosting

None

Yes

Low rain temperature

Alcatel

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EVOLIUM A910 Micro-BTS Product Description

7. GLOSSARY
AD
AMR
BBU
BCF
DR
E-GSM
EFR
GPRS
GPS
HDSL
HR
HSCSD
LNA
MTBF
NTL
OML
PCM
P-GSM
RFE
RFH
RSL
MSUM
U
VSWR
WBC

Antenna Diversity
Adaptive Multi-Rate
Battery Backup Unit
Base station Control Function
Dual Rate
Extended-band GSM
Enhanced Full Rate
General Packet Radio Service
Global Positioning System
High-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line
Half Rate
High-Speed Circuit Switched Data
Low-Noise Amplifier
Mean Time Between Failures
Network Termination Link
Operation and Maintenance Link
Pulse Code Modulation
Primary-band GSM
Receiver Front End
Radio Frequency Hopping
Radio Signalling Link
Micro-BTS Station Unit Module
Unit used in mechanic design for the height of modules:
1U = 1.75 = 44.45 mm
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
Wide-Band Combiner

End of Document

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